A York soccer fan's crusade against Manchester United has been shown the legal red card by the Premiership giants.

Simon Topliss, from York, pictured with some of the anti-Manchester United merchandise which his firm is now being prevented from selling

Shareholder Simon Topliss is angry after pressure from the Premiership club's lawyers forced Better Dead Then Red, an Internet-based company who sell anti-Man Utd merchandise, to temporarily cease trading.

The company used to sell merchandise, such as car-stickers reading "Sit Down If You Hate Man U," on the Internet from the site: www.mufc.com. The Red Devils' traditional logo was changed by the company to read Scumchester United and the devil insignia changed to a pig.

But the website was shut down on Monday, after the company received a letter from solicitors acting on behalf of Manchester United threatening legal proceedings over alleged breach of copyright.

Simon Topliss, of Lawrence Street, York, who is a shareholder in the company and an avid Leeds Utd supporter, said today: "It's ridiculous. I can't believe Manchester United have taken action against us. We're having a bit of fun and now the mighty Man U have come and squashed us."

The Evening Press is now in possession of copies of letters sent to Better Dead Than Red from James Chapman & Co, Manchester United's lawyers.

One letter states: "It has come to our attention that certain merchandise is being offered for sale on the Internet which bears markings similar to that of the Manchester United club badge.

"Our clients require that all such material be withdrawn from sale and that the use of the website be discontinued immediately.

John Boocock, a director of Better Dead Then Red, said "We have complied with the lawyer's request to cease trading, and are currently reviewing our position."

Nick Marshall of Chapman & Co commented "This company's existence came to the attention of the club, and as with any commercial organisation we are seeking to protect our trademarks. It is nothing personal against this company."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.